Description
A cozy and comforting Easy Baked Mac and Cheese featuring a creamy plant-based cheese sauce with the smoky crunch of smoked turkey bacon. This wholesome dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, delivering rich flavors and velvety textures everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk or plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese blend
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup plant-based breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later mixing into the mac and cheese.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter or plant-based butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk or plant-based milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the plant-based cheese blend, mustard powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and luscious.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta and chopped smoked turkey bacon with the cheese sauce until all pieces are coated in creamy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent baking.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle plant-based breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy golden layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and beautifully browned.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking and keep perfect texture.
- Use sharp plant-based cheese for a richer, tastier sauce even in small amounts.
- Reserve pasta water and add a splash to the sauce if it becomes too thick to maintain creaminess.
- Do not skip the plant-based breadcrumbs topping to add a perfect crunchy contrast.
- Allow baked mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy baked pasta
